Lifestyles

Pets and Wildlife Calendar: May 17 and beyond

By Kathy Bennett

Contra Costa Times

Posted:
05/16/2014 03:41:42 PM PDT

Updated:
05/16/2014 03:41:43 PM PDT

Events

EAST BAY

Mammals of the Delta: Explore the Delta's mammals: beavers, muskrats, river otters and more. Find their tracks and learn how they live in this unique habitat. 2-3 p.m. May 18. Big Break, 69 Big Break Road, Oakley. 925-544-3050.

Dragonflies: Their Lives, Loves and How to Care for Them: Dragonfly expert Kathy Biggs will share stories about these colorful insects and their lives. Learn how to support their life cycle by creating a habitat for them. 7 p.m. May 21. Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland. Free. 510-501-3672, www.documents.sausalcreek.org/FOSC_Member_Meeting_Flyer_140521.pdf.

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Bug Hunt: Teen volunteers and Lawrence Hall of Science staff will lead a search for critters in the butterfly garden. Head out with a magnifying glass, a net, a view and a field journal and get a closer look at local species. 11 a.m. May 31. Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. $10-$17. Members free. www.lawrencehallofscience.org.

Maddie's Pet Adoption Days: The fifth annual Maddie's Pet Adoption Days takes place from May 31-June 1. During that time, free adoptions of dogs and cats will be offered to qualified adopters at more than 100 locations throughout Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties. For a complete list of hours and locations, visit http://adopt.maddiesfund.org.

Maddie's Pet Adoption Days: Oakland Animal Services (OAS) will take part in Maddie's Pet Adoption Days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 31 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 1. (Pre-screenings held May 26-30). During this nationwide event, sponsored by Maddie's Fund, animals will be available for free to qualified homes. Standard adoption procedures apply. This year's event will also have special activities for families: face painting, live music and gift bags. Oakland Animal Services, 1101 29th Ave. 510-535-5602, http://oaklandanimalservices.org.

Butterfly and Bird Festival: A day dedicated to increasing the numbers of species of butterflies and birds in Bay Area landscapes. Garden tours, family hands-on activities, speakers, photo presentations and music. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 8. Coyote Hills, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont. 888-327-2757, www.ebparksonline.org.

Pet First Aid and CPR: Learn how to save a pet's life during an emergency, minimize a pet's trauma after injury and safely transport an injured pet to the veterinary clinic. For ages 12 and older. Booklet and certificate included. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 21. Lake Chabot, 9999 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. $51. Registration required. 888-327-2757, www.ebparksonline.org.

Good Deed Dogs' Donation Drive for Service Dogs: Through June 29 donate at any Mattress Discounters store or online to help support training and making these highly skilled dogs available for those with disabilities. www.mattressdiscountersdogs.com.

Xtreme Bugs Exhibit: Featuring more than 100 giant bugs, some that are animatronic, including a 15-foot-long Japanese hornet, a fluttering monarch butterfly, a ladybug, a line of marching ants, an orchid mantis, stinkbugs, spiders, honeybees and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, through Sept. 1. Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. $11-$17. UC Berkeley students and staff, and children three and younger are free. www.lawrencehallofscience.org, 510-642-5132.

Loma Vista Farm: Field trips and tours are available for schools, day cares, garden clubs, senior centers and other groups, Monday through Friday throughout the spring and summer. 707-556-8765, www.lomavistafarm.org.

Delta Discoveries: Drop by Big Break Visitor Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in February and learn about the wonders of the Delta through arts and crafts activities. 69 Big Break Road, Oakley. 510-544-3050, bigbreakvisit@ebparks.org.

Women on Common Ground: Series of naturalist-led programs for women who love the outdoors but whose concern for personal safety keeps them from enjoying local parks. For a schedule of events, call 510-544-3243 or email kcolbert@ebparks.org.

Animeals: The Valley Humane Society operates a pet food pantry that provides regular free meals for dogs and cats of seniors and low-income families. Donations of wet or dry dog and cat food are always accepted, even if opened or recently expired and can be dropped off during open hours at Valley Humane Society, 3670 Nevada St., Pleasanton. Pet-related items such as litter, treats, and toys are also needed. Pet food distribution takes places through partnerships with local food banks: Pleasanton: Valley Bible Church, first Thursdays monthly, 7106 Johnson Drive. Livermore: Tri-Valley Haven, third Wednesdays monthly, 3663 Pacific Ave. http://valleyhumane.org/programs/animalsanimeals.

Paws for a Cause: Join Operation Freedom Paws for a one mile or 5K Fun Run/Walk event. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers and dog teams. A dog handling demonstration takes place immediately following the run. Courses are wheelchair accessible. Operation Freedom Paws is a nonprofit organization that pairs service dogs with veterans. All dogs come from shelters and rescue groups. 9 a.m. June 1. Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. 408-356-2729, http://raceroster.com/events/2014/2257/paws-for-a-cause.

Fishing in the City: Learn to fish clinics teach the basics of fishing to children and adolescents ages 5-15. Equipment and tackle are provided. There is no charge for the clinics but there may be a park entrance fee. Each adult may bring two children; a driver's license is required for a rod loan. For information, email erotman@dfg.ca.gov.

Dog Book Reading Club: Do you love dogs? Want to learn more about their behavior, training, learning, body language, and using positive training methods? The Humane Society Silicon Valley Dog Book Reading Club meets from 2-4 p.m. fourth Sundays monthly to discuss a different book. 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Free. 408-262-2133, www.hssv.org.

PENINSULA

San Carlos Hometown Days Pet Parade: Enter your pet for a chance to be crowned King or Queen Pet of San Carlos. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category for: large dogs, medium dogs, small dogs, cats and exotic pets. There is no charge to enter and preregistration is not required. 11 a.m. May 18. Burton Park, 900 Chestnut St. www.sancarloshometowndays.com.

Dog Day Mornings: Dogs romp and play off-leash in a supervised atmosphere every Saturday morning, (through Dec. 13) rain or shine. All dogs must be current on their vaccinations, have attended a basic obedience class and all dogs six months and older must be altered. Two sessions: 9:30-10:30 a.m. for dogs all shapes and sizes. 10:30-11:30 a.m. for small dogs only. Peninsula Humane Society,

Woof to Woof Dog Extravaganza: This family friendly event offers a day of dog focused fun including parades, contests, dog vendors and dog demonstrations by local canine pros. There will also be a silent auction and a raffle. Dogs must be on leash. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 7. Skylark Soccer Field, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. Free. 831-458-9766, www.santacruz.org/events/index.php?evtid=6769.

AROUND THE STATE

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Guided Wetlands Tours: A wildlife naturalist will lead a group (minimum of 18 people) through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Learn wildlife identification and behavior patterns, conservations efforts and more. The experience can be customized to include requested information, along a half-mile walking route. For information and scheduling, call 530-846-7505 or email ldieter@dfg.ca.gov. www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.html.

Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve docent-led walks: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Binoculars and bird books available to borrow at no cost. Visitor Center and main overlook are fully accessible. Day use is $4.32 per person, ages 16 and older. Groups of 10 or more should schedule a separate tour. www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region4/elkhorn.html.